Resolved Validation Failure

Hi there, my co-worker flyboy1565 sent me here. I recently got back a computer from my daught that hasn't been used in quite a long time. I turn it on and everything is running great, except that I keep getting a pop saying validation, that I need to purchase a newer version of windows. I'm wondering how I can tell if it is a validation error, or if this is a scheme. Flyboy said it could be either one. He also said you guys are the best.

also I am currently running malwarebytes I see that I have two issues, and that I might need to go to the malware forum. Is that going to be an issue? Or should i post there until we know for certain?

 

Hi oldmanjim, Welcome to WindowsBBS.
I see you've posted in the XP Forum so I assume the comp is running XP OS.
Do you know what version of XP (Home/Pro/MediaCenter).
Has it had SP3 Update installed?

It helps us to know what the "System Details" are. If you click on UserCP and follow layout and scroll to the bottom of the page and "Save" when finished.

As your mate suggested it may well be an infection, so a trip to Malware & Virus may be your next option. Broni will look after you there - He may take a bit of time to answer your Post as he is kept busy, but you'll be in good hands. Cheers Neil.

 

Does sound like Malware. If it was Windows validation, you would not be told that you need a newer version. You would just need to validate what you have. Have you checked to see how many Windows updates you need?

Also the exact message that the popup says would maybe help.

 

ok system details updated with what i could get using SIW.

the message says: you may be a victim of software counterfeiting.

this copy of windows did not pass genuine windows validation. ask got genuine miscroft software.

I believe I'm on sp1 which as flyboy tells me is waaayyy behind even for xp. He also said I should expect to see Mr. Bill.

malware finished should removed the selected files it found, or wait till i get to broni?

 

I also tried to update it using windows and thats where it took me to a page saying I had to pay for windows 7. Would my machine even be able to handle it?

 

Yes on remove the infected files. Then reboot. It will save a log on what was found and done under the Logs tab. Did you do the Quick Scan or Full Scan? Did you update MBAM before you ran it?

 

yes mr bill most recent download from mbam and ran a full scan, they were only an adware. I'll do as you suggested.

 

ok I'll mark this a completed until broni clears me there.

 

ok im back broni has cleared me to return here. I did have a virus, my problem now is updating through the service packs. I tried updateding but i get an error.

 

when i go to download sp2 it tell me that it can't be completed because of a validation error. I'll retry it to see what it exactly says

 

OK here is the message...

Windows xp service pack 2 cannot install.
The product key used to install Microsoft windows may not be valid. For more infor about why you have received this message and steps you can taken to resolve this issue visit WWW.howtotell.com.

 

Sorry forgot to link to my posts with broni.

 

OK, would you recommend running the tool listed in the second link.

 

I tired and got the same error.. this must mean that it is a counterfiet? What can i do to change this? Do i have to spend the money to get a full license?

 

Is there a Key Code sticker on it on the bottom, side or the back? Can you read the number on it? You could also download BELARC ADVISOR and it will tell you what the Key Code is. It may be different than what is on the sticker. Let us know. DO NOT post he number here for anybody to see.